DNS Explained: What It Is and How It Works

 

Introduction

Something occurs in the background to connect you to a website each time you enter its address into your browser, such as www.techhovel.com.  Although you cannot see it, it is made possible by a robust system known as DNS (Domain Name System).

Because it converts human-friendly web addresses into the numeric IP addresses that computers use, DNS is frequently referred to as the "phonebook of the internet."  It would be impossible to browse the internet as we know it without DNS.

Let's examine what DNS is, how it functions, why speed and security are important, and when you might want to change it.

What Is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System.

• Humans like using words: google.com, facebook.com.
• Computers use numbers: 142.250.190.14 (an IP address).

In order for your browser to locate and load the correct website, DNS converts domain names into IP addresses. Consider it similar to the contacts list on your phone: you type a person's name, and your phone calls the number that appears behind it.

How Does DNS Work?

Here’s the step-by-step journey when you enter a website into your browser:

1. DNS Query Starts → You type techhovel.com.
2. Check Local Cache → Your computer checks if it already knows the IP from a previous visit.
3. Ask the Recursive Resolver → If not cached, your ISP’s DNS resolver looks for it.
4. Root DNS Server → The resolver contacts the global root servers, which direct it to the right domain extension (.com, .org, etc.).
5. TLD Server → The Top-Level Domain server (for .com, .net, etc.) directs the resolver further.
6. Authoritative DNS Server → Finally, the resolver asks the domain’s own DNS server for the IP.
7. Connection Established → The IP address is returned, and your browser connects to the site.

All of this happens in milliseconds.

Why DNS Matters

• User-Friendly Internet → Without DNS, we’d have to remember long strings of numbers instead of names.
• Faster Browsing → Caching in DNS servers makes repeat visits lightning-fast.
• Scalability → DNS allows billions of devices to connect without confusion.

DNS and Security Risks

DNS isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a target for cybercriminals.

• DNS Spoofing (Cache Poisoning) → Hackers inject false IPs into DNS caches, redirecting users to fake sites.
• DNS Hijacking → Malicious actors change DNS settings to reroute your traffic through harmful servers.
• Phishing Attacks → Fake DNS records send users to cloned websites that steal data.

Related: Phishing Explained: How to Spot and Avoid Online Scams

When Should You Change Your DNS?

Most people use their ISP’s default DNS, but you can switch to public DNS services for benefits like:

1. Speed → Services like Google DNS or Cloudflare can be faster than your ISP.
2. Security → Some DNS providers block known malicious websites automatically.
3. Privacy → ISPs often track browsing activity. Public DNS (like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) claims not to log user data.
4. Access → Changing DNS can sometimes bypass regional content restrictions.

Popular Public DNS Providers

• Google Public DNS → 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS → 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS (Cisco) → 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

These providers are free to use and usually faster than ISP defaults.

How to Change Your DNS

1. Go to your device’s network settings.
2. Locate DNS configuration (often under Wi-Fi or Ethernet properties).
3. Enter your preferred DNS addresses (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare).
4. Save and reconnect to your network.

Related: How to Monitor Network Usage and Save Data

Conclusion

DNS is one of the most crucial components of the internet, even though it operates in the background.  It guarantees that we can access websites quickly, safely, and without having to commit complicated IP addresses to memory. You can have a faster, safer browsing experience by being aware of how DNS operates and moving to a trustworthy, secure DNS provider. Knowing the fundamentals of DNS is essential, regardless of whether you manage networks professionally or use the internet on a daily basis.